I absolutely loved "Dear Writer" by Maggie Smith, which I finished a couple weeks ago. "Someone in the Attic" by Andrea Mara was a super-satisfying thriller/mystery. My husband was at loose ends for a book, so he read it right after me and really enjoyed it as well. Our reading tastes don't necessarily match up, so I thought that was a good sign that it might appeal to a wider audience. I just finished re-reading "Possession" by A.S. Byatt for the first time in years, and it was just as gorgeous as I remembered. I'm listening to "Big Magic" by Elizabeth Gilbert when I have time to concentrate, and a new mystery by Ashley Flowers ("Missing Half"). I have a bajillion poetry books that I keep starting and leaving (not for lack of quality, but for lack of attention/time--I have a harder time with paper books these days because I can't read them while doing the laundry, etc).
Possession is such a delightful novel. I tried to write my senior thesis on it once upon a time, but I never found my focus nor had a solid thesis-- it was sheer grace that they passed me. I really should re-read it again.
I'm the same way with listening to books while I work and struggling with paying attention to poetry books.
I love reading what you read. I am still stuck in "not reading land" but have hopes that my journey there won't last much longer.
I have The Betrothed on my shelf to be read, but haven't even started. I am so glad to read that you liked it so much!
And thanks for the update on the 3 Addison books. I put them on my hold list at the library. Maybe a reread of The Goblin Emperor before I get them might break my slump! I just love that book.
I also am impressed with fantasy writers who develop religious systems in their world building - at least the ones that don't treat them as the place from which all villains spring. It's one reason I like Lois McMaster Bujold so very much.
Oh do read Goblin Emperor! The audio book is quite good, so if that's an inducement to you to listen while you work or walk, I can recommend it. Here's to the end of your reading slump.
Wow Melanie you are an ambitious reader. I am only reading one book this summer Is A River Alive? by Robert Macfarlane. I’m enjoying it immensely. The poetic form book you mentioned sounds worth adding to my summer reading list though. And maybe I’ll be brave enough to try The Betrothed. Thank you for sharing your reading list.
What a great selection! I’m reading the Betrothed now! I’m reading The Betrothed now. Reading such a delightful novel after a few misses in the fiction department is so refreshing. I love sprawling novels.
This time, you've given me a handful of books I didn't know about but think I'll enjoy. Thanks!
I do have Making of a Poem but haven't read it. And you describe Gatsby well. I've taught it to high schoolers, which gives me a deeper appreciation of aspects of it, but I also wouldn't say I enjoy it. It's an important book, but I'm always surprised how much the high schoolers like it!
The Betrothed was on sale for Kindle recently, and I passed it up! Argh! The Making of a Poem sounds like what I've been looking for for poetry instruction. I'm still behind with posting and commenting after going on vacation, and you are publishing up a storm! I'm so impressed!
I absolutely loved "Dear Writer" by Maggie Smith, which I finished a couple weeks ago. "Someone in the Attic" by Andrea Mara was a super-satisfying thriller/mystery. My husband was at loose ends for a book, so he read it right after me and really enjoyed it as well. Our reading tastes don't necessarily match up, so I thought that was a good sign that it might appeal to a wider audience. I just finished re-reading "Possession" by A.S. Byatt for the first time in years, and it was just as gorgeous as I remembered. I'm listening to "Big Magic" by Elizabeth Gilbert when I have time to concentrate, and a new mystery by Ashley Flowers ("Missing Half"). I have a bajillion poetry books that I keep starting and leaving (not for lack of quality, but for lack of attention/time--I have a harder time with paper books these days because I can't read them while doing the laundry, etc).
Dear Writer is on my to-read list.
Possession is such a delightful novel. I tried to write my senior thesis on it once upon a time, but I never found my focus nor had a solid thesis-- it was sheer grace that they passed me. I really should re-read it again.
I'm the same way with listening to books while I work and struggling with paying attention to poetry books.
I love reading what you read. I am still stuck in "not reading land" but have hopes that my journey there won't last much longer.
I have The Betrothed on my shelf to be read, but haven't even started. I am so glad to read that you liked it so much!
And thanks for the update on the 3 Addison books. I put them on my hold list at the library. Maybe a reread of The Goblin Emperor before I get them might break my slump! I just love that book.
I also am impressed with fantasy writers who develop religious systems in their world building - at least the ones that don't treat them as the place from which all villains spring. It's one reason I like Lois McMaster Bujold so very much.
Oh do read Goblin Emperor! The audio book is quite good, so if that's an inducement to you to listen while you work or walk, I can recommend it. Here's to the end of your reading slump.
Great roundup Melanie. Thank you for the suggestions. I use The Making of a Poem in my English class.
Wow Melanie you are an ambitious reader. I am only reading one book this summer Is A River Alive? by Robert Macfarlane. I’m enjoying it immensely. The poetic form book you mentioned sounds worth adding to my summer reading list though. And maybe I’ll be brave enough to try The Betrothed. Thank you for sharing your reading list.
What a great selection! I’m reading the Betrothed now! I’m reading The Betrothed now. Reading such a delightful novel after a few misses in the fiction department is so refreshing. I love sprawling novels.
This time, you've given me a handful of books I didn't know about but think I'll enjoy. Thanks!
I do have Making of a Poem but haven't read it. And you describe Gatsby well. I've taught it to high schoolers, which gives me a deeper appreciation of aspects of it, but I also wouldn't say I enjoy it. It's an important book, but I'm always surprised how much the high schoolers like it!
The Betrothed was on sale for Kindle recently, and I passed it up! Argh! The Making of a Poem sounds like what I've been looking for for poetry instruction. I'm still behind with posting and commenting after going on vacation, and you are publishing up a storm! I'm so impressed!